About Ventura
The combination of friendly folks, stunning coastlines, and phenomenal weather make Ventura a desirable place to live or visit. The city's rich history is yet another intriguing aspect about it, with a population of people who have inhabited the area for more than 10,000 years. Ventura displays Chinese, Spaniard, and European influences from early voyagers.
Today, Ventura is home to about 109,000 residents and stands as a unique city. Tourists are drawn to the city for the scenic views and laid-back atmosphere. The growing economic landscape also draws entrepreneurs looking to establish businesses.
All in all, the city is the perfect spot to host a meeting whether it's a business merger or event aimed at bringing together like-minded individuals. Rent meeting space in Ventura for your upcoming gathering.
Meeting Options in Ventura
Meetings happen all around us every day, but certain gatherings deserve the extra effort. Perhaps it's an entrepreneur meeting potential investors or an event bringing together franchise owners; it all starts with identifying a suitable meeting space in Ventura. Once that's taken care of, several vendors can help you put together a productive function.
- Transportation
From flights, airport transfers, down to your movements within the city; selections of travel agents in Ventura can sort out your itinerary. You can also turn to the car rental companies in Ventura to make transport arrangements within the city for the meeting participants.
- Accommodation
In the case of an out-of-town business meeting, you'll need to make accommodation arrangements. Selections of Ventura hotels cater to business travelers with budget options also available around the city.
- Equipment Rentals
Regardless of the nature of your meeting, you might need teleconferencing equipment, projectors, or PA systems. The equipment rental stores in Ventura can supply all the gadgets needed for your meeting.
- Catering
Every meeting needs a pick-me-up and for full-day or multi-day meetings, you'll also need to provide meals for the participants. Work with a Ventura catering company to come up with a suitable menu for the occasion.
- Activities
You'll always find that you have some downtime when attending out-of-town meetings. Take the opportunity to explore the scenic surroundings in Ventura. Schedule a walk down the San Buenaventura State Beach or the Ventura Pier.
Meeting Companies in Ventura
Even the simplest meeting held over a cup of coffee is important. Regardless of the scale of your gathering, you are likely to spend resources putting the meeting together. Team up with an event planner in Ventura and other vendors to make the function count.
- Amigo Party Rentals
Amigos Party Rentals is a family-owned business that has been in operation since 1998. Their inventory of rental items includes flooring, chairs, tables, heating, lighting, microphone stands, and projector screens.
- Lorraine Lim Catering
Lorraine Lim Catering has been in business for 25 years with the wife-and-husband team driving the ship. Lorraine and a team of staff cook the wonderful dishes your event needs while her husband Glenn, backed by a logistics team, handles the planning and front house operations.
- Grant Sound & Lighting
Grant Sound & Lighting provides production and design services in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Ventura. They specialize in lighting, sound, and visual services with the aim of bringing your vision to life.
Pros and Cons of Meetings in Ventura
The picturesque views around Ventura provide a tranquil atmosphere that is suitable for hosting diverse events. Like anywhere else, the city has advantages and disadvantages that might affect plans for your upcoming meeting in Ventura.
Advantages
- The oceanfront
Locals say that the oceanfront is essentially their Central Park. Look up meeting spaces in Ventura that offer stunning oceanside views.
- Proximity to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles
Ventura is quite close to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. It provides even more options to access the city for diverse locations and provides opportunities to visit the neighboring locales once your meeting wraps up.
- Culturally diverse
Ventura is by far the most culturally diverse SoCal town with an equally diverse culinary scene. When coming up with a menu for your meeting in Ventura, borrow inspiration from the renowned Hispanic taquerias, the oceanside Tex Mex watering holes, and the Asian-American ramen shops.
- Affordable housing
The city of Ventura has done a great job at keeping home prices in Ventura lower than the nearby cities. You are likely to find great deals on accommodation in the city whether buying, renting, or booking a hotel.
- Plenty of hiking trails
If you are hosting a team-building function in Ventura, you'll appreciate the vast selection of hiking trails around the city. The green spaces are also prime grounds for camping.
Disadvantages
- High cost of living
Ventura is a growing city that keeps attracting new industries and along with it, a high cost of living. You'll spend more on goods and services needed to put together a meeting in this city.
- Growth issues
While Ventura benefits economically from the growth brought about by folks moving into the city, it also works as a double-edged sword. Expect crowding in certain places and perhaps steer clear of the public spaces for any of your scheduled meeting activities.
- Traffic woes
Traffic is an issue in Ventura and you'll encounter the worst snarl-ups on Highway 101 from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. The commute time can be long, and you want to have it in mind when scheduling your meeting itinerary.
- Limited public transportation access
VCTC Intercity and Gold Coast Transit are bus services that serve Ventura. However, access to public transportation is limited and you'll want to opt for a car hire service or rideshares to get around the city with ease.
- Homelessness
Southern California registers a high rate of homelessness. You'll find Ventura's homeless population taking shelter at the city's open parks. Take the opportunity to give back to the community when planning a business-centric gathering in Ventura.
Famous Locations in Ventura
- San Buenaventura State Beach
The San Buenaventura State Beach stretches from the Ventura Pier to Marina Park. It's the perfect spot to explore sun dunes, go swimming or surfing. Beyond Ventura Pier, a bike trail goes through the Surfers Point at Seaside Park.
- Ventura Pier
Ventura Pier was constructed in 1872 and went through a restoration process in 1993. It serves as an iconic landmark and a favorite spot for sunset strollers, anglers, and photographers. The pier features food concessionaires, water fountains, and restrooms.
- Ventura Harbor Village
Head down to Ventura Harbor Village for an ocean-inspired shopping experience. There's plenty to do from renting a boat to explore the waters to going on carousel rides. It's also where you'll depart from when heading to Channel Island.